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What to do in London in May 2018

Global Blue guides you to the best new restaurant openings, shopping experiences and events in London in May 2018. From celebrating the royal wedding to making the most of the sunny weather at new outdoor terraces, these are the top things to do in London during May 2018

It can be difficult to get a reservation at the Ivy, but the famous London restaurant is now staying open all afternoon, so booking a late lunch (especially on a weekday) at the central dining bar is a good bet. Get ahead of the summer crowd this month and enjoy the fabulous spring lunch menu, for which executive chef Gary Lee creates balanced Ivy classics alongside a contemporary global palette incorporating Asian dishes, salads and vegetables and a sea and shells section. We’re especially fond of the seared foie gras with muscat grapes and the grilled dover sole with hollandaise sauce, not forgetting the signature champagne cocktails or the Instagrammable pink clover club cocktails.

Founded in 2010, Beulah is one of the city’s most chic luxury womenswear brands; it is also strongly ethical, supporting and empowering vulnerable women. The fashion brand focuses on timeless, feminine pieces and provides employment and a sustainable livelihood for groups of women across the world. Its stunning new flagship on Elizabeth Street is a must-visit. With interiors inspired by the beauty of India, and with striking new-season pieces, this is a wonderful place to shop for spring/summer wardrobe items.

A pineapple fibre clutch-bag, Emma Watson’s Calvin Klein dress made from recycled plastic bottles, and a cape of cockerel feathers are among the 300 beautiful, intriguing and unsettling objects from the V&A’s new major fashion exhibition. Fashioned from Nature traces the complex relationship between fashion and the natural world since 1600. It features exquisite garments and accessories from Christian Dior, Dries Van Noten and Philip Treacy while also exploring the work of campaigners for sustainability. Open until 27 January 2019, this exhibition is not to be missed.

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was one of the greatest and most innovative sculptors of the modern era. This month, the British Museum presents works by Rodin in a new light and explores his admiration of antiquity, particularly the arts of ancient Greece. The exhibition reveals how the sculptor regularly travelled to London and visited the British Museum to sketch and seek inspiration. Open until 29 July 2018.

As the world gets ready to watch the royal wedding on 19 May, London is already celebrating with a host of events. The Savoy hotel has launched a very special royal afternoon tea, offering guests the chance to enjoy a quintessentially British experience. The new menu features Her Majesty the Queen’s favourite cake of soft chocolate ganache, rich tea biscuits and rum-soaked raisins, as well as other sweet favourites, finger sandwiches and homemade scones. Seated under the hotel’s impressive glass-domed atrium, you’ll find this the perfect place to toast the new couple.

Australian group Daisy Green expands this month with the opening of Scarlett Green in Soho. Laid-back Australian food has been paired with chic, Instagram-worthy interiors for the ultimate brunch spot. Small plates are offered, such as spicy tuna tostadas, award-winning banana bread sandwiches and top vegan and vegetarian options. Those who wish to have a drink will be spoiled for choice with the capital’s largest Australian wine list.

Granary Square Brassiere has partnered with Fever-Tree this month to launch one of this summer’s coolest terraces. The venue is inspired by medicinal herb gardens and will grow and blend herbs to create six delicate botanical cocktails. On 23 May the restaurant will also host a special gin blending dinner for those who want to try their hand at making their very own spirits.

World-famous department store Harrods is known for offering unrivalled shopping experiences to the most discerning of clients. This month, it will be launching a new-look toy department. Located on the fourth floor, this will be the ultimate place to shop for the most engaging and exciting toys of the moment, perfect for picking up some new summer games.

Skylight puts Wapping back on the map this May, with a packed summer schedule. The striking rooftop destination reopens this month offering an urban lawn club, street food, live entertainment, screens and top views of London’s majestic skyline. Guests will be able to battle it out on the croquet lawn, watch World Cup games and enjoy food and drinks from the cool summer bar. With its bigger, improved bar and more seating, this is the perfect place to get ready for summer.

Carnaby has long been a port of call for discerning fashion lovers and now this month the area will launch its new four-day festival; the Carnaby Style Weekender. From 10-13 May, over 50 shops and restaurants will be celebrating the new season with discounts, freebies and masterclasses. Customise new season buys at Ben Sherman, get special discounts at Dr. Martens, receive free consultations and makeovers at Urban Decay and Pixie and try the bespoke martinis at Breddos Tacos.

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16 May: Luna Cinema

This popular open-air cinema returns in May with a packed schedule of cult films in top locations throughout London and the UK. Embrace the warmer evenings this month and book a place at one of the screenings in incredible locations, from Newbury Racecourse to the RAF Museum in North London and Victoria Embankment Gardens. Watching Jaws at Brockwell Lido is sure to be one of the most atmospheric things to do in the capital this month.

From 19 May to 24 June, Covent Garden is returning to its historic past as Westminster Abbey’s original orchard garden, with a special plant installation and displays. Covent Garden in Bloom will see shops and restaurants across the area host in-store displays and offer exclusive experiences that will include beauty products, botanical cocktails and floral dishes. It will also be supporting the Chelsea Fringe garden festival with a special garden installation named Moments of Reflection.

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Justin DeSouza

Mid May: Patty & Bun, Borough Market

Patty & Bun is widely considered to be one of the best burger chains in London, with discerning customers coming from and wide to enjoy its signature Ari Gold cheeseburger and homemade relishes. This month the fast food favourite is opening a new site on Borough High Street. Set over two floors, the space will have an open kitchen and offer its very own breakfast menu. Form an orderly queue here …

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21 May: Kricket Brixton

This May, Indian restaurant Kricket will return to its Brixton origins where it will be opening a new permanent site. The lively Indian restaurant has made waves in the capital with its Indian- inspired street food, and is set to do so again with its new venue. The Brixton menu will showcase a roster of new creations as well as signature dishes such as Keralan fried chicken and bhelpuri (made with puffed rice and vegetables). With an emphasis on seasonal British produce and classic Indian flavours, and the cool location under the arches on Atlantic Road, this is one of the top openings of the month.

Fulham is set to become west London’s hottest foodie destination this month, with the launch of Market Hall. This will take over the ticket hall of the old Edwardian underground station at Fulham Broadway and provide residents and visitors with a host of exciting food vendors, a communal dining area and bar. Offering everything from local food favourites to street food stars, it is sure to be a summer hotspot.

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May sees the opening of top outdoor spaces in London, all eager to make the most of the warmer weather and longer, lighter evenings. Luna Cinema returns this month bringing with it a roster of cult films in cool locations around the city, making it quite possibly the most appealing date idea in the capital. Warmer weather also means it’s time to take advantage of London’s rooftop bars, and Skylight is just the place to head. There are plenty of exciting new restaurants opening in May, including street food favourites Patty & Bun and Kricket, as well as the brand new Market Hall Fulham. With so much going on, be sure to read our guide and fill your diary with the best things to do in London in May 2018.